TP-Link UB500 Bluetooth 5.0 USB Adapter — main product image

TP-Link

TP-Link UB500 Bluetooth 5.0 USB Adapter

Name: TP-Link UB500 Bluetooth 5.0 USB Adapter
Brand: TP-Link
SKU: UB500

★★★★★4.5 (16743 reviews)

Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.4Bluetooth 4.0

A nano-sized USB adapter that adds Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity to any Windows PC with simple plug-and-play setup.

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Overview

The TP-Link UB500 is a nano-sized USB Bluetooth adapter that brings Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity to any Windows PC lacking built-in Bluetooth — or upgrades an older built-in adapter to a faster, more reliable standard. At just 0.74 x 0.58 x 0.27 inches and weighing 2 grams, it sits nearly flush in a USB-A port and is easy to leave plugged in permanently, whether on a desktop tower or a laptop. Bluetooth 5.0 provides up to twice the data throughput and four times the range of Bluetooth 4.0, resulting in more stable audio streaming, faster file transfers, and fewer dropouts at distance.

Setup on Windows 8.1, 10, and 11 is genuinely plug-and-play: insert the adapter, wait a moment for the system to recognize it, and begin pairing devices. Windows 7 users need to download a free driver from TP-Link's website, but installation is straightforward. The UB500 supports both Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) for higher-bandwidth transfers and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for power-efficient peripherals like fitness trackers and smart-home sensors. It is fully backward compatible down to Bluetooth 1.1, so legacy devices work without issue. TP-Link does recommend disabling any existing internal Bluetooth radio in Device Manager before use to prevent driver conflicts — a quick one-time step that ensures the UB500 operates as the sole Bluetooth controller on the system.

Key Features

Bluetooth 5.4 + Broad Compatibility - Provides Bluetooth 5.4 plus EDR technology and is backward compatible with Bluetooth V5.3/5.0/4.2/4.0/3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1.

Faster Speed, Extended Range - Get up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.0 — perfect for smooth audio streaming and stable connections.

EDR and BLE Technology - This Bluetooth dongle is quipped with enhanced data rate and Bluetooth low energy, UB500 has greatly improved data transfer speed and operates at the optimal rate of power consumption

Nano-Sized - A sleek, ultra-small design means you can insert the Nano Bluetooth receiver into any USB port and simply keep it there regardless of whether you are traveling or at home

Plug & Play with Free Driver Support - Plug and play for Windows 8.1/10/11 (internet required). Supports Win7 (driver required and can be downloaded from website for free). Download the latest driver from TP-Link website to utilize Bluetooth 5.4

Reliable Multi-Device Support - Enables wireless communication with Bluetooth-enabled desktop, printers, phones and headsets. Utilizes Bluetooth low energy technology for energy-saving wireless connectivity

Compatibility NOTE: UB500 is for Windows PCs only and does not support macOS, Linux, TVs, or Windows 8. Not for direct console use (PS5/PS4/Xbox), but controllers can be connected via PC. Two UB500 cannot pair with each other

Setup Tip - Disable any existing internal Bluetooth in Device Manager before using UB500 to avoid driver conflicts.

Specifications

Brand

TP-Link

Model

UB500

Bluetooth Version

5.0 (Upgradable to 5.4 via Driver)

Backward Compatibility

V4.2 / 4.0 / 3.0 / 2.1 / 2.0 / 1.1

Interface

USB 2.0 Type-A

Technology

EDR + BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)

OS Support

Windows 7, 8.1, 10, 11

Plug and Play

Yes (Windows 8.1 / 10 / 11)

Dimensions

0.74 x 0.58 x 0.27 in

Weight

0.071 oz (2 g)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Nano-sized design sits nearly flush in a USB port, making it unobtrusive for permanent use
Plug-and-play on Windows 8.1, 10, and 11 with no driver installation needed
Bluetooth 5.0 delivers up to 2x faster data transfer and 4x broader range than Bluetooth 4.0
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) support minimizes power draw for compatible devices
Backward compatible with Bluetooth versions all the way back to 1.1

👎 Cons

Windows-only — does not support macOS, Linux, or Chrome OS
Requires a free driver download for Windows 7, not truly plug-and-play on that OS
Built-in Bluetooth must be manually disabled in Device Manager to avoid conflicts
Cannot be used directly with game consoles like PS5 or Xbox
USB-A form factor may require a hub or adapter on laptops with only USB-C ports

Frequently Asked Questions

Which operating systems does the UB500 support?

It supports Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11. It is not compatible with macOS, Linux, or Chrome OS. Windows 8.1/10/11 offer plug-and-play support, while Windows 7 requires a free driver download from TP-Link's website.

Can I use this adapter to connect a game controller to my PC?

Yes, you can pair Bluetooth controllers (including PS and Xbox controllers) to your PC through the UB500. However, the adapter cannot be plugged directly into a console — it is for PC use only.

Is it backward compatible with older Bluetooth devices?

Yes, the UB500 is backward compatible with Bluetooth V4.2, 4.0, 3.0, 2.1, 2.0, and 1.1, so it works with both newer and older Bluetooth peripherals.

Do I need to disable my PC's built-in Bluetooth before using this?

Yes — TP-Link recommends disabling any existing internal Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager before using the UB500 to avoid driver conflicts.

Can two UB500 adapters be paired with each other?

No, two UB500 units cannot pair directly with one another. The adapter is designed to connect a PC to Bluetooth-enabled peripherals, not to bridge two computers.